Partners aim for a Dynamically Different Dumfries

Dynamically Different Dumfries is a 10-year vision and action plan for Dumfries Town Centre. It is the culmination of a new approach to community led regeneration with the community working with the Council, its partners, and Elected Members. There has been extensive community engagement providing opportunities for everyone who wants to have a say and help shape the future vision for the town centre.

A report on the engagement and the accompanying Action Plan has now been prepared by Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG) with support from Council Officers. This will be presented to Members of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee on 17^th March. Delivery of Dynamically Different Dumfries will require collaborative action from the public, private and third sectors in relation to the vision drivers and the action plan.

DPAG is a unique collaboration of Dumfries based businesses, community organisations and social enterprises who have now been approved as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).

The Action Plan is a live working document that will evolve and change through the delivery process and prioritise actions with partners. The four cross cutting themes of: inclusivity and diversity, NetZero Carbon, Innovation and Creativity are to be considered in relation to all the projects in the action plan. The launch of DPAG as a SCIO will involve an open recruitment process to appoint new Trustees and a membership group to work alongside partners, businesses, and community representatives identify funding opportunities and assist in the delivery and evaluation of the plan’s impact. This presents an ideal opportunity for individuals and organisations passionate about Dumfries town centre and wanting to make a difference, to work in partnership with others to deliver change.

Archie Dryburgh, Vice Chair of E&R Committee said: “This is valuable work to revitalise our town centre in Dumfries which has been impacted by changing shopping habits as people migrate to shopping online, resulting in the need to reimagine our town centre for the future. Despite the challenges, people of Dumfries have always valued the culture and heritage of their town centre and I would ask that they have as much input as possible. It’s your town, please get involved and help shape the future you want.”